Optical Coherence Tomography Findings Following Orbital Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: A closed globe trauma is often associated with orbital wall fractures. In addition to diplopia, further eye disturbances can be observed. The aim of this preliminary prospective study was to investigate the optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in patients that presented with orbital fractures in association with diplopia but without decreased visual acuity or further ocular symptoms. METHODS: Only patients who were admitted and surgically treated for orbital wall fractures and that presented diplopia were included in this study. Patients with post traumatic ocular symptoms were excluded. All the patients that were diagnosed with an orbital fracture underwent an ophthalmological assessment, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), examination of fundus oculi, Hess Scheme, OCT, and OCT angiography. RESULTS: Five patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. Hess Scheme examinations confirmed the presence of diplopia in all the included patients. The examination of fundus oculi did not reveal any pathology in 4 patients, whereas in a patient a commotio retinae (Berlin's Edema) was diagnosed in the infero-papillary field. Following OCT assessment, a pachycoroid was observed in 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: A thorough ophthalmological assessment in patients that have suffered from orbital fractures is fundamental. In particular, OCT examinations seem to provide more insight into the detection and monitoring of choroidal changes after ocular trauma without visible macular changes.

Management of maxillofacial trauma in the elderly: A European multicenter study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Management of maxillofacial trauma in the geriatric population poses a great challenge due to anatomical variations and medical comorbidities. The aim of this study was to analyze the management variables, timing, and outcomes of facial fractures in elderly patients (aged 70 years or more) at several European departments of oral and maxillofacial surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was based on a systematic computer-assisted database that allowed the recording of data from all geriatric patients with facial fractures from the involved maxillofacial surgical units across Europe between 2013 and 2017. RESULTS: A total of 1334 patients were included in the study: 665 patients underwent closed or open surgical treatment. A significant association (P < .005) was found between the presence of concomitant injuries and a prolonged time between hospital admission and treatment. The absence of indications to treatment was associated with comorbidities and an older age (P < .000005). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients require specific attention and multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and sequencing of trauma treatment. A prudent attitude may be kept in selected cases, especially when severe comorbidities are associated and function is not impaired.

Psychodynamic Features Associated With Orthognathic Surgery: A Comparison Between Conventional Orthognathic Treatment and "Surgery-First" Approach.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to assess the personality traits of orthognathic patients and to investigate and compare the changes related to psychosocial well-being, self-esteem, anxiety, and quality of life between presurgical and postsurgical phases in patients undergoing traditional and surgery-first orthognathic treatments. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study recruited patients referred for traditional 3-stage orthognathic treatment and surgery-first orthognathic treatment. Patients were administered psychological and quality-of-life tests 3 times: during the last visit before surgery, about 4 weeks after surgery, and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Of the 33 patients included, 14 presented parameters that were suggestive of personality (borderline, compulsive, antisocial, passive-aggressive) disorders. The results of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey showed significant differences with better scores for the "surgery-first" group for bodily pain, vitality, social functioning, and mental health (P < .05). As for the Beck Depression Inventory second edition results, at final check, surgery-first patients reported fewer depressive symptoms too. CONCLUSIONS: A surgery-first orthognathic approach allows a precocious re-establishment of harmonic esthetics of the face, thus positively influencing the compliance and psychological status of the patients.

The "European Mandibular Angle" Research Project: The Epidemiologic Results From a Multicenter European Collaboration.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the demographic variables and causes and characteristics of mandibular angle fractures managed at several European departments of maxillofacial surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was based on a multicenter systematic database that allowed the recording of data from all patients with mandibular angle fractures between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017. The following data were recorded: gender, age, etiology, side of angle fracture, associated mandibular fractures, presence of third molar, intermaxillary fixation, and osteosynthesis. RESULTS: The study included 1,162 patients (1,045 male and 117 female patients). A significant association was found between the presence of a third molar and the diagnosis of an isolated angle fracture (P < .0000005). Furthermore, assaults were associated with the presence of voluptuary habits (P < .00005), a younger mean age (P < .00000005), male gender (P < .00000005), and left-sided angle fractures (P < .00000005). CONCLUSIONS: Assaults and falls actually represent the most frequent causes of angle fractures. The presence of a third molar may let the force completely disperse during the determination of the angle fracture, finding a point of weakness.

The Number of Platelets in Patient's Blood Influences the Mechanical and Morphological Properties of PRP-Clot and Lysophosphatidic Acid Quantity in PRP.

The objectives of this study were to compare platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from patients with different concentrations of platelets and to assess the influence of these PRP preparations on human osteoblast (hOB) activity. In the literature, growth factors released by activated platelets have been considered responsible for the active role of PRP on bone regeneration but no specific role has been attributed to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) as a possible effector of biological responses. In this study, patients were grouped into either group A (poor in platelets) or group B (rich in platelets). Clots from PRP fraction 2 (F2-clots), obtained with CaCl2 activation of PRP from the two groups, were compared macroscopically and microscopically and for their mechanical properties before testing their activity on the proliferation and migration of hOB. LPA was quantified before and after PRP fractioning and activation. The fibrin network of F2-clots from patients with a lower platelet concentration had an organized structure with large and distinct fibers while F2-clots from patients in group B revealed a similar structure to those in group A but with a slight increase in density. ELISA results showed a significantly higher plasma level of LPA in patients with a higher platelet concentration (group B) in comparison to those in group A (p < 0.05). This different concentration was evidenced in PRP but not in the clots. Depending on the number of platelets in patient's blood, a PRP-clot with higher or lower mechanical properties can be obtained. The higher level of LPA in PRP from patients richer in platelets should be considered as responsible for the higher hOB activity in bone regeneration.

Use of neuron-specific enolase to predict mild brain injury in motorcycle crash patients with maxillofacial fractures: A pilot study.

PURPOSE: Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common but accurate diagnosis and its clinical consequences have been a problem. Maxillofacial trauma does have an association with TBI. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) has been developed to evaluate neuronal damage. The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy of NSE serum levels to detect mild brain injury of patients with sustained maxillofacial fractures during motor vehicle accidents. METHODS: Blood samples were drawn from 40 healthy people (control group) and 48 trauma patients who had sustained isolated maxillofacial fractures and mild brain injury in motor vehicle accidents. Brain injuries were graded by Glasgow Coma Scale. In the trauma group, correlations between the NSE serum value and different facial fracture sites were also assessed. RESULTS: The NSE serum level (mean ± SD, ng/ml) in the 48 patients with maxillofacial fractures and mild TBI was 13.12 ± 9.68, significantly higher than that measured in the healthy control group (7.72 ± 1.82, p < 0.001). The mean NSE serum level (ng/ml) in the lower part of the facial skeleton (15.44 with SD 15.34) was higher than that in the upper facial part (12.42 with SD 7.68); and the mean NSE level (ng/ml) in the middle-and lower part (11.97 with SD 5.63) was higher than in the middle part (7.88 with SD 2.64). CONCLUSION: An increase in NSE serum levels can be observed in patients sustained maxillofacial fractures and mild brain injury.

Sport-Related Maxillo-Facial Fractures.

Sports and exercise are important causes of maxillofacial injuries. Different types of sports might differ in frequency and type of fractures. The aim of the present study was to explore the possible relation between the types of sport practiced and the frequency and nature of the facial bone fractures of patients presenting in an oral and maxillofacial surgery department of a Dutch university center. This study is based on an analysis of patient records containing maxillofacial fractures sustained between January 1, 2000 and April 1, 2014 at the Vrije Universiteit University Medical Center (VUmc) in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The present study comprised data from 108 patients with 128 maxillofacial fractures. Seventy-nine percent of the patients were male and 21% were female. The patients ranged in age from 10 to 64 years old with a mean age of 30.6 ± 12.0. The highest incidence of sport-related maxillofacial fractures occurred in individuals between the ages of 20 and 29. The most common sport-related fractures were zygoma complex fractures, followed by mandible fractures. Soccer and hockey were the most prominent causes of sport-related maxillofacial trauma in the present study. Coronoid process fractures were only observed in soccer players and not in other sports groups. Mandible angle fractures were relatively more frequent in rugby than in other sports. The results of this study suggest a relation between type of sport and the nature and frequency of the fractures it causes.

Is There Enough Evidence to Regularly Apply Bone Screws for Intermaxillary Fixation in Mandibular Fractures?

PURPOSE: Intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is traditionally achieved with arch bars; however, this method has several well-known disadvantages and other techniques, such as bone screws, are available. This study evaluated current evidence regarding these IMF screws (IMFSs) for mandibular trauma and to assess whether this allows a change of treatment protocol for IMF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic electronic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Titles and abstracts retrieved from the search were screened and evaluated for inclusion and exclusion criteria. The full text of all relevant articles was read and citation lists were checked for any missing references. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were subjected to a quality assessment. Included articles were checked for outcome measurements concerning occlusion, operative time, oral hygiene, root trauma, wire-stick injuries, and mucosa overgrowth. RESULTS: Twenty-two articles (17 case series, 4 RCTs, and 1 cohort study) were included. None of the RCTs scored high methodologic results in the quality assessment. The results suggest IMFSs have similar malocclusion rates as arch bars, fewer wire-stick injuries, improved oral hygiene, and shorter operative time. Root damage is less likely to occur with self-drilling screws and seldom requires treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although the methodologic quality of the included studies is poor, self-drilling IMFSs are recommended for temporary per-operative IMF of noncomminuted mandibular fractures. More high-quality studies are required to allow an evidence-based change of protocol.

Chondrosarcoma of the nasal septum.

Chondrosarcomas are non-epithelial malignant, slow growing tumors that usually involve pelvis, ribs, and long bones of extremities, scapula and sternum. Median age at diagnosis for head and neck chondrosarcomas is in the fourth decade. The etiopathogenesis of chondrosarcomas remains unknown. Treatment of choice is surgical, with adjuvant therapy having a limited role. In fact, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are reserved for residual or recurrent disease and palliation. As for surgery, several surgical procedures have been described. Recently, endoscopic surgery has allowed for the successful and less invasive treatment of inverting papillomas and even nasopharyngeal angiofibromas, lesions previously requiring extended external approaches. The aim of this paper was to present a case of nasal septal chondrosarcoma that was successfully treated with endoscopic surgery and radiation adjuvant therapy.

The nutritional assessment of head and neck cancer patients.

Patients affected by head and neck cancer are particularly at risk for nutritional depletion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of patients affected by head and neck cancer at diagnosis. All adult patients with head and neck cancer between January 2009 and December 2013 were included. The following data were recorded: demographics, tobacco and/or alcohol consumption, weight, height, the reference weight 6 months before the diagnosis, tumor site, tumor stage, and laboratory data. Then, Body mass index (BMI), and Buzby nutrition risk index (NRI) were calculated. Statistical analysis was used to search for associations among multiple variables. 122 men and 22 women were enrolled. As for reference BMI, 77 patients were overweight, whereas just 7 subjects were underweight. At diagnosis, 72 subjects were overweight according to BMI, whereas 52 patients were underweight. Instead, according to NRI, 96 patients were severely malnourished, 42 patients were moderately malnourished, whereas just 6 patients had a normal value of NRI. The assessment of nutrition by BMI excluded from a thorough consideration all overweight and obese patients with head and neck cancer. Instead, NRI correctly identified both undernourished and overweight/obese patients as "malnourished" subjects.

Sudden hearing loss: a study of prognostic factors for hearing recovery.

OBJECTIVE: Sudden hearing loss (SHL) is a disease, isolated or associated with vertigo, of unknown etiology. The aim of this study was to identify the prognostic factors for hearing recovery. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analyzed 287 cases of SHL (mean age 42). Tonal threshold audiometry, BAEP, and RM were the diagnostic procedures for clinical balance of the patient. The therapy used the following: corticosteroids, osmotic diuretic infusion, and vasoactives. All the factors were evaluated through statistical tests, Spearman test, and linear logistic regression. RESULTS: In our study, we observed that 39.3% of patients improved, 27.9% remained unchanged, 29% had complete recovery, and 3.8% worsened. Therapy was not related to the degree of recovery from hearing loss, whereas young age, delayed diagnosis, and audiometric curve type were the three factors related to the degree of hearing recovery. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we report a better overall recovery rate compared with spontaneous recovery. In particular, early treated patients as well as patients with upsloping hearing loss frequently recovered after treatment. Age, time between onset and treatment, and audiogram type were shown to be significantly related to outcome.

Chondrosarcoma of the Laryngeal Thyroid Cartilage.

Chondrosarcoma of the larynx is a rare tumor, accounting for 0.07% to 2% of all laryngeal cancers. Nevertheless, it represents the most frequent nonepithelial neoplasm of the laryngeal region.Laryngeal chondrosarcomas are usually characterized by slow growth and low metastatic potential.The exact etiopathogenesis of chondrosarcoma is still debated. Diagnosis can be difficult given the slow rate of growth and nonspecific patient symptoms at presentation.Because of its rarity, literature about laryngeal chondrosarcoma is mainly made up of case reports and small case series.Therefore, it is important to add any information regarding this pathology.The aim of this article was to present and discuss a new case of chondrosarcoma located in the thyroid cartilage in a 63-year-old woman.

Dental trauma in association with maxillofacial fractures: an epidemiological study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the incidence and associated factors of dental trauma in patients with maxillofacial fractures at the VU Medical Center in Amsterdam. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 707 patients who were treated surgically for maxillofacial fractures were evaluated. The data were collected retrospectively from patient files and other available databases. The data collected included date of fracture, age, gender, type of fracture, and injured teeth. RESULT: Of the total 707 patients, 164 patients (23.2%) presented dental injuries associated with facial fractures. Mandibular condylar fractures, mandibular parasymphyseal fractures, Le Fort fractures, and mandibular body fractures were found to be significantly more associated with dental injury. Zygomatic arch or zygomatic complex fractures were significantly less associated with dental injury. Women had a significant higher risk of facial fractures with dental injuries than men. The maxilla demonstrated the highest incidence of injured teeth. The most affected teeth were the maxillary incisors (33.1%), followed by mandible incisors (13.6%), mandible molars (12.8%), and maxillary premolars (12.6%). CONCLUSION: Our findings show a higher risk of dental injury among patients with a mandibular condylar fracture and mandibular parasymphyseal fracture but a lower risk of dental injury among patients with a zygomatic arch or zygomatic complex fracture. On average, patients had more than three injured teeth, with most of the injured teeth being in the upper jaw. The maxillary incisors, followed by the mandible incisors, were the most injured teeth.

Mandibular trauma treatment: a comparison of two protocols.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment of mandibular fractures treated in two European centre in 10 years. STUDY DESIGN: This study is based on 2 systematic computer-assisted databases that have continuously recorded patients hospitalized with maxillofacial fractures in two centers in Turin, Italy and in Amsterdam, the Netherlands for ten years. Only patients who were admitted for mandibular fractures were considered for this study. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2010, a total of 752 patients were admitted at Turin hospital with a total of 1167 mandibular fractures not associated with further maxillofacial fractures, whereas 245 patients were admitted at Amsterdam hospital with a total of 434 mandibular fractures. At Amsterdam center, a total of 457 plates (1.5 - 2.7 mm) were used for the 434 mandibular fracture lines, whereas at Turin center 1232 plates (1.5 - 2.5 mm) were used for the management of the 1167 mandibular fracture lines. At Turin center, 190 patients were treated primarily with IMF, whereas 35 patients were treated with such treatment option at Amsterdam center. CONCLUSIONS: Current protocols for the management of mandibular fractures are quite efficient. It is difficult to obtain a uniform protocol, because of the difference of course of each occurring fracture and because of surgeons' experiences and preferences. Several techniques can still be used for each peculiar fracture of the mandible.

Current concepts on complications associated with sinus augmentation procedures.

The sinus augmentation, or sinus lift procedure, is an internal augmentation of the maxillary sinus, which is intended to increase the vertical bony dimension in the lateral maxilla to make the placement of dental implants possible. Complication rate associated with maxillary sinus augmentation procedures in the literature is quite low. Typically, perforation of the Schneiderian membrane, hemorrhage, infection, and rhinosinusitis are more frequently encountered. Therefore, the aim of this article was to briefly review and resume the more common complications associated with sinus augmentation procedures.

Review of histologic and immunohistochemical features of spindle cell carcinomas (carcinosarcomas) of the larynx.

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal carcinosarcomas pose a significant diagnostic challenge to the pathologist; differential diagnosis needs histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of charts of the pathology database was performed by a search for carcinosarcoma cases. Immunohistochemistry was performed on the representative paraffin blocks in all cases. RESULTS: This study included a total of 5 cases of carcinosarcomas of the larynx. The sarcomatoid component of the tumor was arranged in various patterns mimicking mesenchymal malignancies. Tumor cells were seen arranged in fascicles (a patient), in a storiform (3 patients), or in a solid (a case) pattern. The epithelial markers EMA and AE1/AE3 were positive in all 5 patients, as well as vimentin and CK34betaE12. DISCUSSION: Immunohistochemical studies of epithelial and mesenchymal markers (such as AE1/AE3, epithelial membrane antigens, vimentin, desmin, and S-100) are fundamental to diagnose the tumor, although they may widely vary.

The management of an orbital diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: The orbit represents a rare site of presentation of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The diagnosis and management of orbital lymphomas may be challenging because these neoplasms present few specific features. METHODS: A 69-year-old woman presented with painless swelling of the left lower eyelid of 5 years' duration. Magnetic resonance imaging and incisional biopsy were necessary to establish a diagnosis of orbital diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Staging was completed, thanks to a computed tomographic study of the chest and abdomen. RESULTS: The patient underwent systemic chemotherapy with 1 regimen (doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, 6-mercaptopurine, and methotrexate), followed by 1 R-COMP-14 regimen (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, nonpegylated liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone). Complete resolution of the disease was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Although not typically performed by the head and neck surgeon, an understanding of the staging process is crucial for multidisciplinary management of orbital lymphomas.

Diplopia and orbital wall fractures.

Diplopia is a symptom that is frequently associated with orbital wall fractures. The aim of this article was to present the incidence and patterns of diplopia after orbital wall blow-out fractures in 2 European centers, Turin and Amsterdam, and to identify any correlation between this symptom and such fractures. This study is based on 2 databases that have continuously recorded data of patients hospitalized with maxillofacial fractures between 2001 and 2010. On the whole, 447 patients (334 males, 113 females) with pure blow-out orbital wall fractures were included. The most frequently involved orbital site was the floor (359 fractures), followed by medial wall (41 fractures) and lateral wall (5 fractures). At presentation, 227 patients (50.7%) had evidence of diplopia. In particular, in most patients, a diplopia in all directions was referred (78 patients). Statistically significant associations were found between diplopia on eye elevation and orbital floor fractures (P < 0.05) and between horizontal diplopia and medial wall fractures (P < 0.000005). In patients under evaluation for orbital trauma, the observation of diplopia on eye elevation and horizontal diplopia at presentation could be useful clinical indicators orbital floor and medial wall fractures, respectively.

Malignant vagal paraganglioma.

The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss a new case of malignant vagal paraganglioma. A 38-year-old woman was referred for the assessment of a bilateral firm cervical mass. CT scans revealed a left cervical ovoid mass; contralaterally, a mass with a similar enhancement could be observed too. The tumor was surgically removed via a transcervical surgical approach, together with levels I to III lymph nodes. Definitive histopathological examination proved the diagnosis of malignant vagal paraganglioma with contralateral cervical lymph node metastasis. One year after surgery, a PET-CT and a scintigraphy revealed the presence of a cervical recurrence and hepatic metastasis. Three months after a second surgical intervention, the patient died. Malignant vagal paraganglioma is a rare and challenging lesion that has to be carefully assessed to plan an appropriate treatment. A strict follow-up is fundamental for an early diagnosis of eventual recurrences.

Thornwaldt cysts.

Thornwaldt cysts are rare and benign congenital cysts in the region of the pharyngeal bursa, formed by a communication between the notochord and the nasopharyngeal endoderm. They result from a mechanical obstruction, inflammation, or abscess of the pharyngeal bursa. They are superficial to the superior constrictor muscle and covered by the nasopharyngeal mucous membrane. Most cases are asymptomatic, and patients may rarely present symptoms such as nasal obstruction, foreign body sensation, hearing loss, and periodic halitosis. Therefore, they are often accidentally diagnosed on MRI. Asymptomatic cysts do not require treatment, whereas symptomatic cases require surgical intervention by endonasal or transoral approach. Marsupialization is the procedure of choice to avoid recurrences. The aim of this article is to present and discuss 2 cases of Thornwaldt cysts.